Grace Testani

Dear Jazz Studies Program:

I am writing to inquire about any opportunities to teach – as an adjunct or as a guest lecturer/clinician - and/or perform at your institution sometime in the near future.  I am currently on the faculty of New York University School of Continuing Studies and the Director of The Singers Center – Sing jazz and more™ and would like to discuss offering clinics, master classes, workshops, residencies and/or performances at your institution.

Enclosed please find some biographical information, a sample course list and a sample course description of one of the workshops I have taught.  I teach a similar course for New York University called “All That Jazz Singing Workshop”.  This represents just one of many courses that I have taught to students of all ages and all levels – from vocalists learning to improvise (scat), to instrumental jazz ensembles learning to make music together, to musicians learning to use the Internet to market globally.  In addition to onsite courses, I can offer Internet-based follow-up support as well as online courses.

I have been a performer and music educator for many years.  In addition to singing, arranging, composing and playing keyboards, I have also been on the faculties of The New School (the Guitar Study Center), Drummers Collective/SOJ Contemporary Music Studios and The Hebrew Arts School (Abraham Goodman House); a tutor for New York University (Gallatin Division) and Empire State College; have adjudicated at the Reno, Nevada Jazz Festival; and have co-lead workshops with Sheila Jordon, Jay Clayton, and Janet Lawson in other jazz festivals.

Currently I am the recipient of a grant from the New York University Coordinating Council for Music to produce a collaborative performance program with singers, musicians and arrangers from the various music schools within NYU.  The program is called Singing & Swinging with the Band – Voices and Octet.

My forte is bringing together the finest musicians, creating an ensemble experience that allows each member of the group to express his or her virtuosity, creating an excitement in the group with my arrangements and leadership, which is then communicated to and experienced by the audience.  My music is appreciated by jazz purists and, at the same time, is accessible and enjoyed by large and varied groups of non-jazz aficionados.  People have even been known to get up and dance at my New York club performances.

Bringing that same kind of encouragement of creative exploration to my clinics, workshops and residencies, I create an environment where everyone experiences the joy of making music with others. Being very computer literate and Social Media savvy, I would actively publicize my teaching and/or performance at your institution. 

Some highlights (reviews and articles upon request or at www.gracetestani.com):

Grammy award winner, Michael Abene co-produced my recording and my usual band performed on the date.  I am sure you will recognize many of them - in particular Mike Richmond, Jim McNeely, Adam Nussbaum, Danny Gottlieb, Chip Jackson, Sammy Figueroa, and others.  I also work with Mike Clarke, Kenny Warner, Steve LeSpina and many other wonderful musicians.

Ideally, I would love to bring my entire band to your institution where we would all offer workshops.  However, I realize this may not be financially feasible.  As a piano player and with the aid of various music software programs, I am able to conduct my workshops individually.  For performances and clinics I would hire the best of the local talent or I could use the brightest students from your institution – an exciting experience for them since my arrangements are quite challenging and bring out the student's creativity.

To hear my music, please visit www.cdbaby.com/cd/testani or www.amazon.com or www.myspace.com/gracetestani or iTunes plus numerous other online distributors.

Thank you for your consideration and taking the time to review the materials and links.  I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,
Grace Testani

Email: gtestani@gracenotesmusic.com
Phone & Fax: 212-222-6632
Mobile Phone: 917-519-5400
For more reviews and info, please visit www.gracetestani.com

Enclosures/Links
  Bio & Fact Sheet
  Music CV
  Sample Courses List (PDF)
  The Gig Series - Course Objectives (abridged) (PDF)

For more information on possible courses, please visit The Singers Center (www.SingersCenter.com)